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Yankees sign Carlos Beltran to a three-year deal

On the day the New York Yankees lost Robinson Cano to the Seattle Mariners, they struck back and agreed to sign outfielder Carlos Beltran to a three-year, $45 million deal, an official told USA TODAY Sports.

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On the same day the New York Yankees lost second baseman Robinson Cano to the Seattle Mariners, they rebounded with outfielder Carlos Beltran, who agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal, an official told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

The Yankees reacted quickly and used the money they saved by not signing Cano, who agreed to a 10-year, $240 million deal with Mariners earlier in the day, to sign the eight-time All-Star.

Days before the winter meetings are to begin, the Yankees continued to be active. They also re-signed right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a one year deal.

Beltran becomes the second high-profile free agent outfielder the Yankees signed this week -- Jacoby Ellsbury agreed to a seven-year, $153 million deal.

Beltran, who turns 37 next April, hit .296 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI in 145 games this season with the Cardinals. He will play right field and DH along side Ellsbury in center and Brett Gardner in left field.

The Yankees have been the biggest players this offseason. Including Beltran, the Yankees have now spent $283 million on Ellsbury and catcher Brian McCann.

Beltran was highly pursued this offseason. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals, the team he began his career with, were some of the teams that sought the eight-time All-Star outfielder. His demand raised his price tag and he was able to get a third year onto the deal.

Beltran, who reached the World Series for the first time this year, is one of the best postseason players in history. In 51 career postseason games, he has hit 16 home runs.

The Cardinals will receive a supplemental first round pick for losing Beltran.

Contributing: Bob Nightengale

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